Ben Johns, Gabe Tardio Net Breakthrough Title at 2025 CIBC Texas Open
Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio couldn’t get the job done at the 2025 Carvana Mesa Cup last month, losing the gold-medal match against Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu.
But, over the weekend, the pair finished the job, besting the top-seeded pair of Alshon and Federico Staksrud with scores of 11-1, 10-12, 7-11, 11-7, 11-4 to clinch their first ever double’s title at the 2025 CIBC Texas Open.
The pair of Johns and Tardio, formed after the Johns Brothers’ infamous split back in December, set the tone early, dominating the first game 11-1. Tardio’s aggressive play, especially his successful attacks up the line against Staksrud, was instrumental in staking the duo to the early lead. However, Alshon and Staksrud regrouped, winning close second game and taking the third, positioning themselves just one game away from victory.
Facing a 7-7 tie in the fourth game, Johns and Tardio showcased their resilience by scoring four consecutive points to force a decisive fifth game. They carried this momentum into the final game, employing strong third-shot drives and assertive net play to secure the championship.
“It was a battle this week. Yesterday, we had three three-game matches, and then this one went five. It’s really great to know that you’ve got a partner by you that will stick through in the tough matches and really ball out in that last game. I think we really finished strong,” said Ben of the duo’s road to victory, which was anything but smooth.
Johns and Tardio Battle Through Adversity, Tough Competition
Johns and Tardio’s path to the championship was marked by adversity—including an intense semifinals showdown against the formidable duo of Andrei Daescu and Dylan Frazier. After a commanding 11-3 win in the first game, Johns and Tardio found themselves trailing in the second, ultimately losing 12-14. The third game was a nail-biter, with Johns and Tardio overcoming an early 0-4 deficit to win 12-10 on their sixth match point, securing their spot in the final.
Earlier in the tournament, during the quarterfinals, Johns and Tardio also faced stiff competition from Ryan Fu and Zane Navratil. The match extended to three games, with Johns and Tardio clinching the victory with a tight 12-10 win in the final game, showcasing their tenacity and ability to perform under pressure.
This victory at the Texas Open marks a significant milestone for Johns and Tardio, especially considering their recent partnership. In December, Ben announced that Tardio, a 19-year-old Bolivian talent, will be his new men’s doubles partner after splitting up with his brother, Collin.
Ben expressed optimism about this change, viewing it as a refreshing opportunity to find new purpose and reengage with the sport they both love. He emphasised then that while this is a new chapter, his bond with his brother and former partner remains strong, and this decision is a healthy adjustment rather than a permanent end to their partnership.
2025 CIBC Texas Open Is a Watershed Moment in Pickleball
The 2025 CIBC Texas Open also featured impressive performances in other categories. In the men’s singles, Alshon defended his title, solidifying his growing reputation on the tour. The tournament’s singles qualifying draw saw a substantial increase, with 64 players vying for eight main draw spots, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth and the increasing competitiveness among players.
The 2025 CIBC Texas Open not only showcased top-tier pickleball talent but also underscored the sport’s expanding appeal. With emerging partnerships like that of Johns and Tardio and the continuous influx of new talent, the future of pickleball looks promising and exciting for both players and fans alike.
